Frequently Asked Questions
1. Booking & Payments
Q: What does my tour package include?
A: All Sino PathFinder tours include: Accommodations (4-5 star hotels or best available in remote areas), daily breakfast and specified meals, all internal transportation (flights/trains/private vehicles), licensed English-speaking guides, all entrance fees for scheduled activities, basic medical insurance in China, visa support documents, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Q: What is not included?
A: Not included are: international airfare, Chinese visa application fees, comprehensive travel insurance, personal expenses (laundry, premium drinks, tips), and peak season surcharges (additional 5% during holidays).
Q: How far in advance should I book my China tour?
A: We recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for peak seasons (Chinese Lunar New Year, National Day Golden Week, Labor Day Holiday). Last-minute bookings (within 30 days of departure) require full payment at booking and may face limited permit availability
Q: Is my deposit refundable if I cancel?
A: Deposits are non-refundable (20–50% of program price, depending on tour type) as they secure permits and services. (see Booking Terms 17) For cancellations, fees apply as follows:
- Small Group Tours: 100% penalty within 30 days of departure
- Permit-Required Tours: Tibet/Xinjiang and other permit fees are always non-refundable.
2. Visa & Documentation
Q: Can you help with my China visa application?
A: For our small group tour packages, we include visa service as part of the package and our staff will guide you through the process step by step. We will make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
We provide:
- Visa support documents
- Rush invitation letters for late bookings(for additional fee)
While Sino PathFinder may assist with visa application materials, we make no guarantees regarding visa issuance. All travelers must contact their local Chinese consulate for current entry requirements.
For other packages and customized tours, visa service can be added for an additional fee.
3. Health & Safety
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes. We provide basic medical insurance covering the tour duration in China. However, travelers are highly encouraged to purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage of lost luggage and trip cancellation, medical and political evacuation and other additional insurance.
Q: How do you handle medical emergencies?
A: Our guides are all first-aid certified. In remote areas, note that: evacuation may take 24+ hours and/or medical facilities may not meet international standards.
4. Cancellations & Changes
Q: What if I cancel due to illness?
A: Standard cancellation fees apply (See Terms 17). Submit insurance claims directly; we’ll provide documentation.
Q: Can I change my tour dates?
A: We’ll do our best to accommodate date changes, though modifications may require itinerary adjustments or additional charges. For permit-restricted areas (e.g. Tibet/Xinjiang), changes are especially difficult due to fixed government permit dates. Please contact us immediately to discuss options.
Q: What if you change my hotel?
A: We guarantee four- and five-star standards for most major cities, but in remote areas accommodation might be adjusted to the best possible standards. If substitutions are necessary, we: 1) upgrade where possible, or 2) refund the price difference.
5. On-Trip Logistics
Q: What’s your staff-to-guest ratio?
Small Group Tours: At least 1 guide and 1 driver per 2-6 guests. A photographer will be added to the staff when requested for additional cost. 1:1 virtual concierge service will be provided throughout the tour.
Private Tours: Custom staff-to-guest ratios of your desire. At least one guide and one driver guaranteed.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes. Notify us at booking. While we arrange dedicated meals, note: remote areas may have limited options, we will try our best to accommodate but no substitution guaranteed. Severe allergies require carrying personal medication.